USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 59
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Dr. Dering was married April 29, 1839, to Miss Harriet Eliza Hulse. She was born July 19, 1814, and was a daughter of Stephen and Eliza (Smith) Hulse, consequently a lineal descendant of Chief Justice William, better known as "Tangier" Smith. Her father dying when she was six months old, her childhood was spent with her grandmother, Mrs. Glorianna (Smith) Strong. Subsequently she was for several years a student in Miss Z. P. Grant's widely-known school in Ipswich, Mass., and there, after graduation, she was married to our subject in the parlors of the seminary, hier teachers and classmates being pres- ent at the ceremony.
Some two years after the young couple re- turned to Setauket, they moved into the house which was left to Mrs. Dering by her father's will and which has since been the family residence. There she died August 19, 1895, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, in the very room in which she was born. She was a woman of culti- vated mind and strong Christian character, a lov- ing, helpful wife and devoted mother, active in the church and abounding in deeds of neighborly kindness, firm in her abiding regard for truth and principle, tender in her faith in Christ.
Dr. and Mrs. Dering were the parents of six children, two of whom died in infancy. The eld- est son, Rev. Charles T. Dering, died in Rose- mond, Ill., September 23, 1880, where he was pastor of the Congregational Church. The sur- viving children are: Henry Dering, of New Brunswick, N. J .; Sarah F., wife of Rev. E. P. Sprague, D. D., and Mary Sylvester, of Setauket. Rev. Charles T. Dering married Mary Bayley, of Rosemond, Ill., in 1875; Henry, who is a drug- gist, married Carrie Sangston, of Paterson, N. J., November 19, 1891.
The Dering family is of English origin and is "one of the oldest Saxon families in England whose history can be traced." The following is a description of the family coat-of-arms: "He beareth Gules Three Bucks heads, coped or by the name of Deering. The bearing of the head of any living thing betokeneth Jurisdiction and authority, to administer Justice, and execute Laws.
"For the great esteem of the head in Coat Ar- mour is in respect of the more noble use thereof, for by it is the whole governed and directed, and is called in Latin Caput: Quia copiat omnes sensus. He that is the head should be sure to have all his senses about him as a head. He beareth three Bucks heads, coped Argent attired, or by the name of Deering." This coat was confirmed by Sir Edward Walter Garter, February 13, 1664, in the seventeenth year of King Charles II., to Nich- olas and Thomas Deering, sons of Nicholas Deer- ing, of Worgecat, in the county of Dorsetshire, gentlenien.
Dr. Dering united with the Presbyterian
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Church in Setauket in 1843 and a few months later he was ordained a Ruling Elder. This po- sition he filled with acceptance and fidelity until his death. His life was full of active benevo- lence, and the end canie in the midst of abundant labors. He passed away with the prayer upon his lips, "Lord Jesus, deliver my soul from this body of death."
J I ACOB M. BERGEN. Among the names of the solid and reliable men of Babylon whose word is as good as their bond the name that introduces this article is among the first and best. The house in which Mr. Bergen was born is now standing at the corner of Sackett and Hoyt Streets, Brooklyn, and the event of his birth occurred the Ist of September, 1837. His par- ents bore the names of Michael and Rebecca (Bergen) Bergen, and the former, a native of Brooklyn, was reared on a farm on Bergen Hill. This farm, which belonged to his father, the grandfather of our subject, was a delightful spot for a boy to have as his boyhood home. When Michael Bergen had grown to manhood and had become the head of a family, he moved to the spot indicated above as the birthplace of our sub- ject, after spending some years on a farm at Bay Ridge, which had been given him by his father. He sold this farm for $210,000, and its possession became the subject of a celebrated lawsuit waged by the heirs in after years against the railroad, as the purchaser had defaulted payment. Michael died in 1873, at the age of sixty-six. He was the father of six children, of whom our subject was the eldest. Three of these are now living. Theodore lived at Bay Ridge, and at his death left a family; Phebe lives in Brooklyn; Samuel W. and Sarah C. are both deceased; Charles M. makes his home in Babylon.
Mr. Bergen, our subject, grew to manhood and had good opportunities for an education, not only in the public schools, but also in Poughkeepsie and Guilford, Conn. His first business venture was made in the oil business, in the firm of Pool & Bergen, where he was successful, and in which
he was engaged for a number of years. While in Brooklyn he married Miss Joanna N. Beek- man, a native of that city, and a graduate of Pack- er Institute. Poor health induced our subject to abandon the oil business, and after a time he took a clerkship in a linseed oil mill, which be held for several years. Deciding to start in busi- ness for himself, he opened up a broker's office, but had hardly embarked in this new enterprise when his father's death and the settling of an estate worth over $400,000 put an entirely dif- ferent face on affairs. The settlement of the estate was performed to the satisfaction of all parties interested.
In 1883 Mr. Bergen bought his present loca- tion of twenty-four acres on Great South Bay. Here he has erected a beautiful home of great architectural attractiveness, and has converted the grounds into a scene of ideal loveliness. Our subject has one son, Abram Beekman Bergen. In October, 1893, he married Miss Linda Rob- bins. A. B. Bergen was engaged at the World's Fair in connection with an exhibition of honey. At this great gathering of the world our subject was also present. In his political relations hie is independent, but generally votes the Democratic ticket. He and his wife are members of the Dutch Reformed Church, located at the corner of Carroll Street and Seventh Avenue, Brooklyn.
E GBERT H. HULSE. This prominent cit- izen of Amityville was born at Baiting Hol- low, March 6, 1843, a son of Hampton and Eliza (Wines) Hulse, both natives of Baiting Hol- low. The grandfather, James Hulse, was born on the west end of the isle and followed black- smithing and farming. He met and married his wife, formerly Johanna Benjamin, at Baiting Hol- low, and later settled at that place. She was a descendant of the Benjamin family that came to the isle at an early day, and was of New England Puritan stock. The Hulse family is descended from French Huguenot stock, the De Huls. The father of our subject was the eldest in a family
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of eight children, his birth occurring March 3, 1810. He had six brothers and one sister. One of the brothers, Warren Hulse, is living at East- port, and the sister, Jemima Youngs, resides at Jamesport.
Of the seven children born to his parents, Eg- bert H. Hulse was sixth in order of birth. Four of these children are now living. Our subject's home was at Baiting Hollow until he was twelve years old, and he then went to live with his sister at Bellport that he might attend the academy. At the end of one year the academy was closed and later he entered the public school, where he remained for three years, attending during the winters, but assisting on the home place for the most part during the summers. As his brother- in-law owned a stage line, he drove the stage a number of summers. Following this he began teaching in the country school at a place eight miles north of Bellport, this county, and received $12 per month and "boarded round." He was led to the duties of an educator in the following manner. His father had considerable cord wood cut on his place, and when our subject was seven- teen years old he was informed that he was not to be sent to school any more, but that he must learn to cut cord wood as the older brothers did. Our subject went to work, but accidentally cutting his hand, he threw the ax aside and de- cided then and there not to cut any more. After talking the matter over. with his father it was agreed that he might look for something else to do. Not long after two men came along looking for a teacher, "a stout man, to take charge of an unruly school." Young Hulse offered his serv- ices, but was informed that they wanted a man, not a boy. Later they returned and said they were willing to try him, as he seemed plucky.
Our subject succeeded unusually well and re- turned to Bellport in the summer of 1861. The following winter he became assistant under Dr. Preston, who was then Principal of the public school, and in the summer of 1862 he again studied at Bellport. His next district school was at Fast Patchogue, where he received $25 per month, and with the money thus obtained he entered Eastman's Business College. At the be-
ginning of the war he enlisted, and as his surgeon told him that he would soon be in the hospital. his father would not sign the paper. He had been drafted to go to the war, and reported for duty, but after his examination he was exempted.
When he went to business college he took the course in bookkeeping, more to improve his writ- ing than anything else, and has since been un- usually successful in teaching penmanship. In 1865 he took charge of the school in Bellport. was there two years, and a year and a half at Sayville. On account of poor health he was obliged to leave there, and after resting six months returned to Bellport, where he remained two years. At Bellport, on the 28th of December. 1865, he married Miss Mary R. Homan, a na- tive of West Bellport. Following this he taught at the latter place a year and then took the prin- cipalship of the school at Sayville for the re- mainder of the year. After that he was at Islip for three years, Bayport four years, and in 1870 came to Amityville, where he remained as prin- cipal for fifteen years. He was persuaded to come here by his former teacher and co-laborer, Dr. Preston, who was a Trustee of the Amityville school. Later he resigned his place in the school to engage in the real estate and insurance busi- ness. In 1889 he took the state examination for a life certificate, passing successfully, and later took the course in the School of Pedagogy in the University of the City of New York. He wa- one of the original professors of the South Side Teachers' Association, which has been of great benefit to the teachers. He served as its Presi- dent several times, and has also served as Presi- dent of Suffolk County Teachers' Association.
To Professor Hulse's marriage were born three children: James A. is a graduate of Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., and is Professor of Mathematics in Newark (N. J.) Academy : Clara graduated at Amityville and served as bookkeeper at Homan & Van Tassel's store in Amityville for a number of years; she is now the wife of Frank Ketcham; George E. is a graduate of Amityville Academy and Pratt Institute Iligh School at Brooklyn. Although his father was a stanch Democrat, our subject is a supporter vi
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Republican principles, and cast his first ballot. for U. S. Grant. He is at present Secretary of the Board of Health. He has long been a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for fif- teen years has been Superintendent of the Sun- day school in Amityville and is President of the Board of Trustees.
E DWARD R. ACKERLY, who for many years has been a familiar figure in the streets of Huntington, was born in East Marion, town of Southold, October 13, 1837. His father, Isaac Ackerly, a native of the town of Brook Haven, this county, born in 1802, was a farmer by occupation, and in the Baptist Church, of which he was a member, filled the office of Deacon. His death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-five. The family of which he was a member has been identified with the history of Long Island from a very early period in its set- tlement. Robert Ackerly, who, it is said, was the progenitor of the family on the island, was one of thirteen families who settled in Southold in 1640, having come hither from the New Haven colony.
The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Betsy M. Goldsmith and was born in the town of Southold, near the village of Peconic, in 1809. She departed this life after having passed the eightieth anniversary of her birth. Her father, Luther Goldsmitli, was a member of one of the oldest families of Southold and was highly esteemed in his day. Of the three children born to her marriage, Luther G. is a farmer at Cutch- ogue, and Alvan, the youngest, died at the age of ten years.
Passing the years of boyhood upon the home farm, the subject of this notice received his early education in the district school, later attended a private school at Cutchogue, and afterward was a student in the Southold Academy. From there he went to Pottstown, Pa., and in a private school completed his preparation for teaching. After- ward for several years he taught in different
places, being for a time principal of the union schools at Sag Harbor. Meantime his leisure hours were devoted to the study of law, which he carried on in the offices of Colonel Royce, and Raynor & Gleason, and was almitted to the Bar in 1871. He then formed a partnership with his former preceptor, G. Havens Gleason, at Sag Harbor, which continued until February, 1873. and since that time he has been engaged in ac- tive practice at Huntington.
In politics Mr. Ackerly has always been a stanch Republican. He was a prominent candi- date for the office of County Judge made vacant by resignation, for which position he had the strong endorsement of the members of the Bar. His name was prominently mentioned for the _1.s- sembly, but he declined to make any personal ei- fort for the nomination, preferring to attend to his law practice and help his friends in a practical way. While he has refused to consider nomina- tion for various offices, lie has done all lie could for the advancement of the material interests of the place, and has maintained a warm concern in everything pertaining to the welfare of the people.
Mr. Ackerly and Miss Kate B. Glasier, of New York, were united in marriage in October. 1861. They became the parents of three children. of whom two died in infancy, the only survivor be- ing Josie, a young lady of nineteen, who was edu- cated in private schools at Huntington.
G EORGE H. SKIDMORE was born in Riverhead, December 26, 1841, and to- day holls a most enviable position in the ranks of its leading business men and reliable citizens. His father, Luther Skidmore, was born at Fresh Pond, in this county, February 16, 18as. and was engaged in the manufacture of sash and blinds for years, being a man of considerable abil- ity and shrewd judgment. At one time he was Supervisor of the town of Riverhead, and also served as Collector. His death occurred here January 20, 1872. He had four brothers, two of whom died when quite young, and the others
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were, like himself, men of energy and push. Syl- vester, who was a sash and blind manufacturer, had his place of business in the city of New York. William, who in carly life was a sea captain, after- ward left the sea and settled on a farm in Little Neck, Queens County. He also had two sisters, Sophronia, who married Harvey Pettit, and Eme- line, who died when young.
The father of this family, Samuel Skidmore, a twin brother of Richard Skidmore, was born August 4, 1771, at Fresh Pond. In early man- hood he settled on a farm in Queens County, and died March 31, 1841. The mother, Hannah Brown, was born April 12, 1777, and died March 4, 1838. She was one of a family of eighteen chil- dren. Her father, Joseph Brown, was born Oc- tober 30, 1731, and her mother, Mehetable Vail, was born May 30, 1738.
The mother of our subject, Esther Ann Whip- ple, was born in New York City. November II. 1815. Her father, Elijah Whipple, a ship joiner, was born in Preston, Conn. Her mother, Esther Hubbard, was one of a family of eleven daugh- ters. Mrs. Skidmore died November 19, 1889. and left four sons and three daughters, having lost a son, Elijah, and a daughter, Sarah. The latter marricd Hon. George Howell, who was at one time a member of the Assembly from this village. Eliza is the wife of J. Henry Perkins, one of the leading business men of this village, and for many years Treasurer of the county. Emma, a graduate of the Oswego State Normal and Training School, was for many years a teacher in the Union School in this place, and also in a private school at Dobbs Ferry, on the Hudson. Grace, the youngest member of the family, has recently finished the trained nurse's course at the private hospital of Dr. Gill Wylie, in New York City. Theodore and Charles are engaged in the sash and blind business in Riverhead, and Frank is a painter, residing in this place.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of his native town, and finished his schooling at a private institution. For his life work he took up the profession of an architect, in which he has won an enviable reputation, and to which he has given all the active years of his
life. His principal patronage comes from parties who are building fine cottages along the scashore, and in the many beautiful spots which Long Island presents for summer homes or for per- manent country seats. It is the general opinion that he has had the planning of more of these finc residences than any other architect on the island.
The marriage of Mr. Skidmore united hini with Miss Mary E., daughter of John C. Benja- min, a farmer, and Eliza Ann Lee. Their threc children, Maude, Harry and Hattic, are aged re- spectively twelve, ten and seven. Mr. Skidmore has been actively identificd with Masonic work for many years, being a member of the chapter at Greenport, and for six years he has served as Master of the Blue Lodge at Riverhead. In ad- dition, he belongs to the Royal Arcanum.
All enterprises for the benefit of the island re- ceive his co-operation, and he is a Director in the Suffolk County Mutual Benefit Association, Sec- retary of the Mecox Land Company, and Presi- dent of the Mecox Ferry Company. In these varied business and social relations he is always the same genial and neighborly, but inflexibly upright and energetic character. Politically he is a Republican.
H ENRY A. BARTHOLOMEW, who is a prominent citizen of Brook Haven, was born in New York City, February 5, 1839, and is a son of Edward W. and Margaret E. (Ack- erman) Bartholomew, who spent the greater part of their lives in New York City. The former, who was prominently identified with the crock- ery business, was an unassuming but highly re- spected citizen. His death occurred early in the '50s. His estimable wife still survives, at the venerable age of seventy five ycars.
Our subject received his education in the pub- lic schools of New York City, and at the age of thirteen was placed with an uncle who was en- gaged in the printing business. In 1860 Mr. Bar- tholomew became interested in the manufacture of Winchester hypophosphites, in which business
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he is quite prominent, and puts upon the market large quantities of this useful chemical product. It was first manufactured by Dr. J. F. Churchill, of Paris, and our subject was the first person to introduce its manufacture in America, and so popular has it become that he has given his whole attention to its manufacture ever since. His busi- ness is located in New York City.
In 1880 Mr. Bartholomew came with his fam- ily to his beautiful country home, which is lo- cated on Great South Bay, the residence com- manding a beautiful view of the bay and sur- rounding country. Our subject was married in September, 1866, to Miss. Annie E. McDonald, daughter of James McDonald, a prominent con- tractor of Schenectady, N. Y. Two children blessed this union, one of whom died in infancy, and Zoe C. resides with her parents. Mrs. Bar- tholomew is a member of the Episcopal Church and takes a prominent part in church and charity work. In politics our subject is conservative, voting on party lines only in national affairs, and preferring to give his attention entirely to his own business.
J OHN M. PRICE. The real estate and in- surance business has long been one of the leading features of our country, and in this line in Patchogue is to be found a thoroughly representative firm. Mr. Price, who is the jun- ior member of this company, is regarded as an upright and energetic man of business, respected alike in business and social circles. His partner is John A. Potter and they transact business un- der the style of Potter & Pricc.
Mr. Price is of Welsh descent, his ancestors emigrating to this country early in its history and settling in New Jersey. His great-grand- father, Elijah Price, was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary War, and was with General Washington when he crossed the Delaware. His commission as Sergeant is in the possession of Mr. Price.
father, John Price, was well known to the older residents of the county. The early life of Charles Price was spent in working at the carpenter's trade, which he had thoroughly mastered. He afterward abandoned this business, and, opening an undertaking establishment, gave this business his attention until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-five years of age. He was a very popular man in his community and for many years acceptably filled the office of Justice of the Peace.
The subject of this sketch attended the com- mon schools of Patchogue and also Bellport Academy. He was born September 8, 1841. and when a lad of fourteen years began to make his own way in the world, first as a clerk in the store of John S. Havens. Later his services became so valuable to his employer that he was taken in as partner and continued as such ior many years. In the meantime he had laid by a snug sum of money, and when his partner wished to retire from the business he purchased the entire stock. He conducted affairs alone with signal success until selling out to Havens & Co .. when he invested his capital in his present business. and since 1884 has given it his entire time and atten- tion. He represents four large insurance com- panies as special agent, having the entire charge of their business, including the adjustment of losses. He is a very busy man and besides being Director in the bank of which his partner. Mr. Potter, is President, he presides over the village board of Patchogue, having been elected Presi- dent of the village without opposition ever since its incorporation.
Mr. Price has always taken a very active part in church work and has rendered the Methodist Episcopal Church of this place, of which he is a member, very substantial aid as a member of the finance and building committees. He is also President of the Board of Trustees of that so- ciety, and is found to be active and liberal in sup- port of all good works in his community. Socially Mr. Price is an Odd Fellow of high standing and belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He is likewise well known in Masonic circles, as for many years
The parents of our subject were Charles and Rebecca (Woodhull) Price. Ilis paternal grand- : he has been a member of this fraternity. He has
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been Master of his lodge and has taken the chap- ter degree.
The Democratic party find a very hearty sup- port in Mr. Price, and on the ticket of that party he was elected Supervisor for five successive years. His interest in school affairs resulted in his being placed on the Board of Education. For twelve years he met with the members of this body, rendering very valuable aid, and would no doubt be the present incumbent of the office had he not resigned in order to enter upon his duties as Supervisor. He has been a very successful man financially, and is always ready to support any measure which seems to promise well for his neighborhood.
R INALDO SAMMIS, who owns one of the leading brick yards of the town of Hunt- ington, and indeed of this county, was born June 27, 1831, in the city of New York, the son of Richard and Esther Sammis. The father was a native of West Neck, and went to New York City when a young man, engaging in carry- ing freight for four years. At the end of that time he returned to this town and purchased the old homestead, where he remained until his death, when about seventy years old. He was quite successful in life, and filled about all the offices in the town, being put forward and elected by the Democrats. He was a member of the Presby- terian Church and was highly regarded by his friends and business associates. The mother of our subject was born in Norwalk, Conn., and she passed away when seventy-three years old. She was also a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was a woman of strong character.
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